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Friday, October 8, 2010

Alabama/South Carolina: Crimson Fortitude

In order for South Carolina to defeat Alabama, the Gamecocks must force turnovers.

When you look at the Alabama Crimson Tide offense, not only are they methodical and efficient, but as a unit…they are typically mistake free.

However, as we all witnessed against Arkansas, rare Crimson Tide mistakes played a huge role in the game. The Hogs were able to maintain the lead thanks to critical Alabama turnovers.

The Alabama defense has a knack for giving up yards in 2010, but they also have a knack for keeping teams out of the end zone.

Can South Carolina put more than 20 points on the board against Alabama? Unless the Carolina defense can force turnovers and operate with a short field…the answer is no.

In a nutshell, the keys to the game are “joined” in many ways. In order for the South Carolina offense to be productive against the Tide defense, the South Carolina defense must “turn the Tide” and force turnovers.

If Alabama plays a virtually mistake free game, the Crimson Tide offense will simply pound the South Carolina defense into submission.

On the flipside, without the benefit of a short field (turnovers) the Carolina offense will be forced to sustain “long yardage” drives against a very tough and physical defense.

South Carolina can beat Alabama…but they will need turnovers from the Alabama offense. The Gamecocks are talented on both sides of the ball, but the offense will need help from the defense.

The Gamecocks are at home and all the ingredients for an upset are in place, but Alabama is simply too disciplined and too efficient to falter.

Football is obviously a physical game, but the ability to obtain mental toughness and fortitude will once again propel the Crimson Tide.